Marriott Griffin Gate, Lexington, Kentucky
by Dave Sansom Photography
Nestled in the rolling hills of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Country, the Griffin Gate Golf Club, part of the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Resort & Spa, features a Rees Jones–designed 18-hole championship course opened in 1981. This par‑72 layout spans 250 scenic resort acres and blends strategic design with lush surroundings—featuring native trees, water hazards, and thoughtfully placed bunkers. In 2015, Rees Jones returned with a major bunker renovation, using the Better Billy Bunker method to reshape around 75 bunkers, enhance fairway lines, and refine green complexes—reducing bunker coverage while improving playability and drainage . Griffin Gate remains a premier championship venue with timeless design and resort-style elegance.
